This blog is a continuation of my 2 previous blogs:
Czech Republic Holiday Part 1
Czech Republic Holiday Part 2
9. Day 9 - Jun 12 - Sun
9.1 Highlights | Castle Karlsteijn | Prague
9.2 City: Prague
9.3 Accommodation: Residence Karlin
9.1 Highlights | Castle Karlsteijn
Castle Karlsteijn was founded by Charles IV, King of Bohemia in 1348. The castle was built to hold the royal treasures and coronation jewels of the roman empire and served as a retreat for the King. It stands out from the rest of the castles because it is blocky and rectangular as opposed to the usual round circular towers.
Be enchanted by the streets of shops and restaurants on the way up to the castle.
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| Castle Karlsteijn |
9.2 City: Prague
Finally, we have arrived at the city of Prague. Prague is said to be so beautiful that Hitler did not have the heart to bomb it during WWII and hence escape unscathed. It is indeed very beautiful.
After a country-side tour around West and South Bohemia, I wasn't very used to huge crowds
My version of Charles Bridge was a dreamy one:
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| Charles Bridge |
Jolted by reality:
The bridge may be short, but we took one hour to cross it because there was just too many things to see and admire along the way.
9.3 Accommodation: Residence Karlin
We stayed in Residence Karlin for the rest of our trip and paid 349 Euros for a total of 3 nights. We returned our car at the carpark near the central train and proceeded with the rest of your trip via the metro and by foot.
The nearest train station to Residence Karlin is Křižíkova, which is within a very short walking distance. Metro in Prague is very well connected.
For example:
Prague Castle:
Křižíkova --> Malostranska (5 Stations)
Old Town Hall
Křižíkova --> Mustek (3 Stations)
Wenceslas Square
Křižíkova --> Mustek (3 Stations)
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This is the only apartment whose WIFI works! It works!!
Tip:
Unlike B&B, apartments do not provide breakfast.
Go to the supermarket near Residence Karlin and buy food for your own breakfast. The kitchenette comes with all sorts of pots and pans for your cooking needs. Supermarket closes at 8:00pm.
10. Day 10 - Jun 13 - Mon
We spent the next 2 days exploring Prague by metro and by foot.
Famous Landmarks to check out:
10.1: Church of Our Lady before Tyn.
10.2: Old Town Hall
10.3: Old Town Hall Tower
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The upper clock is the Astronomical Clock. How does it work? The lower one is the Calendar Clock. It's a convergence of Arts and Science. |
10.4: Charles Bridge
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| Can you tell the secret to this illusion? |
10.5: Nam Republiky
10.6: Scene and Noted
11. Day 11 - Jun 14 - Tue
11.1 Highlights: Prague Castle
Inside the Prague Castle:
11.1.1: St Vitus's Cathedral
11.1.2: Lobkowicz Palace
11.1.3: View of Prague City from the castle
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| Charles Bridge from the Castle |
11.1.4: Golden Lane
These cottages along the inside of the castle wall were built in the 16th century for the castle's guards and gunners. A bit small though.
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Kids would love its size. |
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| When you have run out of weapons, use your nose. |
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| Costume fit for a King. |
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| Defence against the enemies. |
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| The Shield |
11.1.5: Torture Chamber
You wouldn't want to be a prisoner-of-war in the medieval times.
11.2 Highlights: Wenceslas Square
Take a metro to Mustek and take a slow walk at Wenceslas Square, where shops carrying modern retail brands and buildings line up on the sides of the square.
Continue on your walk and you will find the iconic St Wenceslas Monument, a Premyslid prince who was murdered by his brother Boleslaw.
Was told to be wary of pickpockets at Wenceslas Square. So it's better to be be safe and take care of each other's belongings than to be sorry!
12. Day 12 - Jun 15 - Wed
12.1 Highlights: Dancing House/Museum
It's our last full day at Prague and we really took it free and easy, exploring Prague at our own pace. We took the metro (Orange Line) to Karlovo namesti and walked over to the Dancing House.
The glass and concrete structure which, in fact, is two buildings with different facades and of different heights, is the 1996 work of Californian architect Frank Gehry and his associate Vlado Milunic. It was awarded special prize by Time, for blending modern architecture with an older, historical environment. The French restaurant on the top floor, has great views.-Lonely Planet.
However, access to the top balcony is only allowed for patrons.
The museum on the first floor also allowed us a glimpsed into the communist country of Czechoslovakia in the 50s-70s. The joint state of Czechoslovakia, founded after World War 1, came to an end in 1993 and was split into Czech Republic and Slovakia.
From the starting point of Dancing House, we followed the green arrow, crossed the bridge and took a leisure walk.
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You can enjoy a cruise if you want.
The base of the cable car is located at Újezd street.
Take the funicular up to Petrin Observation Tower.
Tip:
You need to purchase a ticket to take the funicular. BUT, if you have a train ticket (even those that you have purchased a few days back), do not throw away. The gantry will allow you access to the funicular for free.
12.2 Highlights: Petrin Lookout Tower
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| View from Petrin Tower |
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Street scenes:
  
This concludes the end of my 12 day trip in Prague. I hope you have enjoyed reading this and that this is helpful for your next self-drive holiday.
You may also like:
 Self-driving in Europe. From right-hand drive to left-hand drive. How difficult can it be? Click here for an idiot's guide. ;)
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